Real Madrid's New Season: Mourinho's Return and Injury Challenges
A new Real Madrid season. A familiar name back on the bench. And a squad list that underlines just how bumpy José Mourinho’s second spell could be from the very first whistle.
Real Madrid on Friday confirmed their travelling party for the opening fixture of the 2026/27 La Liga campaign away to RCD Espanyol, with the announcement throwing up both big absences and fresh opportunities.
Mourinho’s return, injury headaches
Mourinho’s comeback has dominated the summer in Madrid, but the build-up to his first competitive game back in charge has been dominated by the medical room.
Rodrygo, Éder Militão and Raúl Asencio are already ruled out long-term, stripping Real of firepower, defensive authority and depth before a ball has been kicked. Those blows alone would test any coach starting a new cycle.
The list did not stop there.
Aurélien Tchouaméni and Endrick have also been left out of the travelling squad for the trip to the RCDE Stadium. Both have recently struggled with fitness issues and, with a long season stretching ahead, the club has opted not to gamble on either the midfielder or the young attacker for Saturday’s opener.
For a side trying to set the tone under a demanding manager, losing that blend of control in midfield and spark in attack is a significant early complication.
Door opens for academy hopefuls
Injuries, though, create space. Mourinho’s first squad sheet of the season carries the imprint of La Fábrica.
Academy prospects Mario Rivas, Jorge Cestero and Alexis Ciria have all been called up, handed the chance to experience the senior stage as Real Madrid launch into a new era. Their inclusion adds a layer of intrigue to a match that already carries the weight of expectation.
How many minutes they see remains to be seen. But their presence in the squad is a clear sign of how stretched the options are—and how quickly the new coach may have to lean on youth.
Real Madrid now head to Espanyol with a patched-up group, a returning superstar manager and a fanbase expecting a statement. The season starts under a spotlight.
